They spill your coffee, ruin your emails, and keep you awake all night long with their zoomies. But when your kitty gives you a coveted forehead bump or makes a fresh batch of biscuits on your belly, all the annoying things about cat ownership melt away.
Not every city loves your cat as much as you do, though. So, where can you find the purrfect den for you and your free-loading feline roommates?
To mark International Cat Day on Aug. 8, LawnStarter ranked 2022’s Best Cities for Cat Lovers.
We compared the 200 biggest U.S. cities based on 14 factors, such as access to vet offices and the feline-friendliness of local rental properties. We also looked at the number of cat cafes and animal shelters in each city — for those cat lovers who can’t afford a kitty of their own but still want to get their cuddle on.
Check out our ranking of the best places for your kitty to live like a king (of the jungle) below, along with some highlights and lowlights of our data.
Contents
- City Rankings
- Highlights and Lowlights
- Ask the Experts
- Behind the Ranking
- Final Thoughts: Happy Cat = Happy Home
City Rankings
See how each city fared in our ranking:
Overall Rank (1=Best) | City | Overall Score | Cat Access Rank | Care Access Rank | Cat-Friendly Housing and Accommodations Rank | Affordability Rank |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Orlando, FL | 58.10 | 21 | 1 | 11 | 108 |
2 | Scottsdale, AZ | 51.85 | 4 | 27 | 12 | 19 |
3 | Knoxville, TN | 49.74 | 18 | 2 | 25 | 183 |
4 | Fort Lauderdale, FL | 49.00 | 5 | 8 | 190 | 38 |
5 | Fort Collins, CO | 48.94 | 94 | 4 | 66 | 74 |
6 | Salem, OR | 48.92 | 6 | 7 | 132 | 130 |
7 | Richmond, VA | 48.17 | 9 | 11 | 52 | 121 |
8 | Las Vegas, NV | 48.14 | 35 | 6 | 107 | 129 |
9 | Savannah, GA | 47.33 | 32 | 9 | 13 | 170 |
10 | Murfreesboro, TN | 47.05 | 102 | 17 | 2 | 79 |
11 | Santa Rosa, CA | 46.96 | 1 | 37 | 152 | 98 |
12 | Tampa, FL | 46.00 | 50 | 15 | 67 | 45 |
13 | Salt Lake City, UT | 45.77 | 43 | 21 | 30 | 48 |
14 | Alexandria, VA | 45.57 | 8 | 30 | 157 | 10 |
15 | Tallahassee, FL | 45.42 | 29 | 10 | 121 | 135 |
16 | Eugene, OR | 45.30 | 53 | 3 | 162 | 158 |
17 | Olathe, KS | 43.76 | 164 | 34 | 4 | 16 |
18 | Cary, NC | 43.73 | 136 | 42 | 7 | 6 |
19 | Atlanta, GA | 43.57 | 7 | 67 | 45 | 34 |
20 | Bellevue, WA | 43.12 | 42 | 121 | 6 | 3 |
21 | Colorado Springs, CO | 42.95 | 87 | 23 | 24 | 83 |
22 | Baton Rouge, LA | 42.65 | 26 | 25 | 63 | 116 |
23 | Denton, TX | 42.62 | 15 | 46 | 81 | 41 |
24 | Austin, TX | 42.56 | 37 | 70 | 9 | 29 |
25 | Frisco, TX | 42.43 | 144 | 83 | 3 | 2 |
26 | Denver, CO | 42.36 | 25 | 41 | 58 | 52 |
27 | Cincinnati, OH | 42.32 | 33 | 20 | 53 | 159 |
28 | Miami, FL | 42.30 | 45 | 5 | 196 | 138 |
29 | Orange, CA | 41.99 | 65 | 35 | 106 | 14 |
30 | Pasadena, CA | 41.87 | 2 | 58 | 171 | 33 |
31 | Birmingham, AL | 41.63 | 16 | 14 | 26 | 194 |
32 | Naperville, IL | 41.14 | 79 | 130 | 8 | 1 |
33 | Clarksville, TN | 41.10 | 48 | 32 | 23 | 144 |
34 | Tacoma, WA | 40.91 | 115 | 19 | 61 | 105 |
35 | Reno, NV | 40.65 | 104 | 18 | 115 | 75 |
36 | Dayton, OH | 40.55 | 12 | 12 | 111 | 193 |
37 | Springfield, MO | 40.52 | 134 | 13 | 16 | 177 |
38 | Huntington Beach, CA | 40.14 | 17 | 61 | 136 | 32 |
39 | Chattanooga, TN | 40.09 | 52 | 31 | 33 | 153 |
40 | Tucson, AZ | 39.98 | 13 | 22 | 35 | 192 |
41 | Lakewood, CO | 39.90 | 11 | 59 | 89 | 97 |
42 | Spokane, WA | 39.82 | 22 | 26 | 128 | 154 |
43 | Greensboro, NC | 39.72 | 60 | 36 | 49 | 110 |
44 | McKinney, TX | 39.58 | 70 | 114 | 17 | 9 |
45 | Raleigh, NC | 39.51 | 67 | 78 | 22 | 25 |
46 | Pittsburgh, PA | 39.34 | 27 | 33 | 109 | 151 |
47 | Mobile, AL | 39.24 | 3 | 45 | 110 | 176 |
48 | Gilbert, AZ | 39.22 | 133 | 63 | 10 | 31 |
49 | Madison, WI | 39.17 | 34 | 81 | 28 | 55 |
50 | Escondido, CA | 39.11 | 20 | 47 | 76 | 133 |
51 | Seattle, WA | 39.08 | 95 | 71 | 59 | 17 |
52 | Peoria, AZ | 38.76 | 54 | 86 | 5 | 87 |
53 | Lubbock, TX | 38.48 | 160 | 28 | 55 | 67 |
54 | Plano, TX | 38.34 | 72 | 145 | 20 | 5 |
55 | Elk Grove, CA | 38.25 | 56 | 100 | 32 | 23 |
56 | Rochester, NY | 38.08 | 10 | 16 | 102 | 199 |
57 | Chesapeake, VA | 37.79 | 113 | 56 | 70 | 22 |
58 | Overland Park, KS | 37.78 | 185 | 110 | 1 | 15 |
59 | Portland, OR | 37.57 | 73 | 40 | 125 | 66 |
60 | Vancouver, WA | 37.35 | 101 | 29 | 88 | 131 |
61 | Midland, TX | 37.30 | 68 | 102 | 85 | 11 |
62 | Corona, CA | 37.16 | 96 | 66 | 62 | 46 |
63 | Minneapolis, MN | 36.69 | 47 | 90 | 90 | 43 |
64 | Hollywood, FL | 36.59 | 46 | 24 | 195 | 85 |
65 | Sacramento, CA | 36.52 | 31 | 65 | 108 | 127 |
66 | Grand Rapids, MI | 36.52 | 129 | 38 | 34 | 149 |
67 | Virginia Beach, VA | 36.49 | 120 | 57 | 98 | 30 |
68 | San Diego, CA | 36.37 | 36 | 75 | 148 | 49 |
69 | Oceanside, CA | 36.06 | 59 | 68 | 94 | 92 |
70 | Little Rock, AR | 35.99 | 30 | 92 | 120 | 64 |
71 | Tulsa, OK | 35.60 | 111 | 52 | 72 | 96 |
72 | Lexington, KY | 35.58 | 112 | 50 | 91 | 77 |
73 | Rancho Cucamonga, CA | 35.48 | 62 | 112 | 97 | 28 |
74 | Huntsville, AL | 35.47 | 130 | 49 | 36 | 123 |
75 | Amarillo, TX | 35.41 | 109 | 54 | 83 | 91 |
76 | Lincoln, NE | 35.39 | 97 | 72 | 68 | 88 |
77 | Arlington, VA | 35.24 | 49 | 131 | 175 | 7 |
78 | Kansas City, MO | 34.82 | 100 | 94 | 37 | 80 |
79 | Sioux Falls, SD | 34.79 | 140 | 89 | 21 | 65 |
80 | Charlotte, NC | 34.75 | 146 | 113 | 19 | 39 |
81 | Tempe, AZ | 34.74 | 125 | 39 | 78 | 157 |
82 | Bakersfield, CA | 34.46 | 24 | 64 | 165 | 139 |
83 | Omaha, NE | 34.45 | 171 | 80 | 14 | 71 |
84 | Newport News, VA | 34.44 | 99 | 43 | 131 | 128 |
85 | Riverside, CA | 34.44 | 91 | 69 | 96 | 106 |
86 | Glendale, AZ | 34.44 | 82 | 55 | 50 | 169 |
87 | Modesto, CA | 34.25 | 39 | 44 | 183 | 134 |
88 | Anchorage, AK | 34.15 | 76 | 107 | 99 | 51 |
89 | Houston, TX | 34.13 | 98 | 123 | 42 | 63 |
90 | Nashville, TN | 34.13 | 61 | 135 | 18 | 107 |
91 | Durham, NC | 34.04 | 143 | 77 | 51 | 73 |
92 | Wichita, KS | 34.04 | 105 | 60 | 100 | 111 |
93 | Des Moines, IA | 33.57 | 55 | 74 | 122 | 145 |
94 | San Francisco, CA | 33.49 | 58 | 108 | 186 | 12 |
95 | Jacksonville, FL | 33.47 | 131 | 85 | 44 | 100 |
96 | Santa Clarita, CA | 33.27 | 89 | 132 | 104 | 35 |
97 | Corpus Christi, TX | 33.02 | 41 | 124 | 141 | 81 |
98 | Henderson, NV | 32.70 | 182 | 73 | 77 | 58 |
99 | Chandler, AZ | 32.67 | 178 | 99 | 43 | 44 |
100 | Columbus, GA | 32.59 | 77 | 96 | 75 | 148 |
101 | Albuquerque, NM | 32.39 | 75 | 97 | 86 | 141 |
102 | Shreveport, LA | 32.37 | 14 | 88 | 166 | 168 |
103 | Oklahoma City, OK | 32.33 | 153 | 98 | 56 | 72 |
104 | Fremont, CA | 32.16 | 158 | 149 | 113 | 8 |
105 | Torrance, CA | 32.15 | 167 | 53 | 182 | 26 |
106 | Louisville, KY | 31.98 | 64 | 91 | 138 | 125 |
107 | Phoenix, AZ | 31.87 | 78 | 128 | 54 | 136 |
108 | Indianapolis, IN | 31.75 | 116 | 119 | 38 | 124 |
109 | Macon, GA | 31.65 | 121 | 115 | 15 | 160 |
110 | Fullerton, CA | 31.54 | 114 | 160 | 103 | 20 |
111 | Irvine, CA | 31.45 | 162 | 126 | 112 | 21 |
112 | Mesquite, TX | 31.43 | 69 | 151 | 64 | 104 |
113 | Grand Prairie, TX | 31.42 | 74 | 181 | 48 | 59 |
114 | San Jose, CA | 31.41 | 93 | 159 | 153 | 18 |
115 | Aurora, CO | 31.23 | 145 | 134 | 29 | 99 |
116 | San Antonio, TX | 31.18 | 157 | 122 | 27 | 112 |
117 | Los Angeles, CA | 31.07 | 23 | 127 | 174 | 115 |
118 | Fort Wayne, IN | 30.57 | 139 | 79 | 133 | 119 |
119 | Chicago, IL | 30.51 | 57 | 152 | 130 | 94 |
120 | Fort Worth, TX | 30.49 | 138 | 146 | 71 | 60 |
121 | Fayetteville, NC | 30.48 | 152 | 48 | 124 | 171 |
122 | Irving, TX | 30.37 | 128 | 172 | 46 | 53 |
123 | Montgomery, AL | 30.32 | 108 | 101 | 79 | 163 |
124 | Mesa, AZ | 30.32 | 103 | 117 | 82 | 150 |
125 | Providence, RI | 30.05 | 63 | 129 | 142 | 122 |
126 | Palmdale, CA | 30.02 | 86 | 118 | 127 | 146 |
127 | Norfolk, VA | 29.85 | 90 | 125 | 118 | 147 |
128 | Arlington, TX | 29.63 | 173 | 140 | 69 | 54 |
129 | Oakland, CA | 29.57 | 28 | 179 | 177 | 56 |
130 | Syracuse, NY | 29.52 | 38 | 51 | 168 | 190 |
131 | Sunnyvale, CA | 29.43 | 185 | 161 | 140 | 4 |
132 | Killeen, TX | 29.35 | 80 | 103 | 156 | 155 |
133 | Rockford, IL | 29.27 | 44 | 106 | 160 | 173 |
134 | Augusta, GA | 29.19 | 107 | 111 | 57 | 175 |
135 | St. Louis, MO | 29.03 | 141 | 120 | 87 | 143 |
136 | Thornton, CO | 28.92 | 166 | 185 | 31 | 47 |
137 | Cape Coral, FL | 28.66 | 185 | 62 | 176 | 68 |
138 | Aurora, IL | 28.57 | 148 | 169 | 114 | 40 |
139 | Memphis, TN | 28.52 | 83 | 164 | 41 | 174 |
140 | Garland, TX | 28.36 | 127 | 171 | 92 | 70 |
141 | Columbus, OH | 28.16 | 118 | 158 | 47 | 162 |
142 | Dallas, TX | 28.00 | 155 | 148 | 101 | 101 |
143 | Pasadena, TX | 27.77 | 170 | 166 | 73 | 82 |
144 | New Orleans, LA | 27.73 | 106 | 109 | 145 | 167 |
145 | Honolulu, HI | 27.57 | 88 | 87 | 199 | 69 |
146 | Joliet, IL | 27.55 | 117 | 176 | 116 | 84 |
147 | Ontario, CA | 27.46 | 137 | 142 | 119 | 132 |
148 | Oxnard, CA | 27.22 | 135 | 153 | 147 | 93 |
149 | Lancaster, CA | 27.20 | 124 | 76 | 142 | 181 |
150 | Hayward, CA | 27.18 | 126 | 155 | 170 | 57 |
151 | St. Petersburg, FL | 27.08 | 149 | 154 | 164 | 50 |
152 | Chula Vista, CA | 26.98 | 180 | 174 | 117 | 37 |
153 | Anaheim, CA | 26.83 | 184 | 137 | 135 | 78 |
154 | Baltimore, MD | 26.80 | 163 | 104 | 134 | 165 |
155 | Boise, ID | 26.71 | 185 | 150 | 95 | 76 |
156 | Long Beach, CA | 26.68 | 169 | 82 | 187 | 114 |
157 | Moreno Valley, CA | 26.57 | 151 | 173 | 80 | 120 |
158 | Fresno, CA | 26.43 | 71 | 138 | 159 | 172 |
159 | Pembroke Pines, FL | 26.37 | 185 | 116 | 169 | 62 |
160 | El Paso, TX | 26.12 | 156 | 147 | 146 | 117 |
161 | Jackson, MS | 25.87 | 51 | 139 | 139 | 186 |
162 | Washington, DC | 25.77 | 132 | 163 | 172 | 13 |
163 | Cleveland, OH | 25.71 | 19 | 136 | 151 | 195 |
164 | Akron, OH | 25.68 | 147 | 95 | 150 | 179 |
165 | Toledo, OH | 25.55 | 92 | 144 | 74 | 187 |
166 | Salinas, CA | 25.38 | 123 | 133 | 189 | 113 |
167 | Pomona, CA | 25.28 | 84 | 191 | 144 | 152 |
168 | Buffalo, NY | 25.26 | 81 | 84 | 126 | 198 |
169 | San Bernardino, CA | 25.21 | 40 | 165 | 173 | 178 |
170 | Glendale, CA | 25.15 | 174 | 143 | 158 | 109 |
171 | St. Paul, MN | 25.02 | 185 | 187 | 65 | 86 |
172 | Winston-Salem, NC | 24.97 | 177 | 190 | 40 | 142 |
173 | Kansas City, KS | 24.72 | 85 | 162 | 60 | 191 |
174 | Port St. Lucie, FL | 24.61 | 185 | 93 | 180 | 137 |
175 | Yonkers, NY | 24.59 | 110 | 177 | 184 | 95 |
176 | Fontana, CA | 24.48 | 175 | 183 | 129 | 89 |
177 | McAllen, TX | 24.41 | 165 | 188 | 154 | 61 |
178 | Stockton, CA | 24.41 | 150 | 141 | 178 | 140 |
179 | Jersey City, NJ | 23.72 | 161 | 182 | 194 | 24 |
180 | North Las Vegas, NV | 23.64 | 159 | 189 | 93 | 161 |
181 | Boston, MA | 23.64 | 142 | 175 | 197 | 36 |
182 | Philadelphia, PA | 23.31 | 119 | 168 | 181 | 156 |
183 | Milwaukee, WI | 23.06 | 154 | 157 | 123 | 180 |
184 | Santa Ana, CA | 22.96 | 183 | 186 | 155 | 90 |
185 | Garden Grove, CA | 22.60 | 185 | 170 | 149 | 118 |
186 | Spring Valley, NV | 22.21 | 185 | 197 | 39 | 102 |
187 | Miramar, FL | 22.19 | 185 | 178 | 191 | 42 |
188 | Enterprise, NV | 21.87 | 185 | 199 | 137 | 27 |
189 | New York, NY | 20.72 | 66 | 192 | 200 | 103 |
190 | Worcester, MA | 19.62 | 172 | 167 | 161 | 184 |
191 | Laredo, TX | 19.53 | 179 | 194 | 179 | 126 |
192 | Springfield, MA | 19.34 | 122 | 180 | 167 | 188 |
193 | Bridgeport, CT | 18.86 | 168 | 156 | 188 | 185 |
194 | Hialeah, FL | 17.71 | 185 | 105 | 198 | 182 |
195 | Brownsville, TX | 17.57 | 185 | 184 | 192 | 164 |
196 | Paradise, NV | 13.62 | 185 | 198 | 193 | 166 |
197 | Paterson, NJ | 13.32 | 185 | 196 | 163 | 189 |
198 | Newark, NJ | 13.32 | 181 | 195 | 105 | 200 |
199 | Sunrise Manor, NV | 12.99 | 185 | 200 | 84 | 197 |
200 | Detroit, MI | 12.89 | 176 | 193 | 185 | 196 |
Highlights and Lowlights
Orlando: The Most Magical Place on Earth for Cats, Too
Mickey Mouse better watch out — Orlando, Florida, is the U.S. cat capital for the second year in a row. What is it that makes O-Town more like Meow-Town? It came in first place for the number of cat sitters and boarding options and second place in pet stores and cat-friendly hotels.
And for those cat lovers who don’t have space for a kitty of their own, Orlando has plenty of cat cafes (coming in at No. 4) where anyone can stop by for a snack, drink, and snuggle with the free-roaming, adoptable cats who call the cafe home (for now).
Fostering or volunteering at local animal shelters is another great way to spend time with kitties who need lots of love, and Orlando has plenty of opportunities on that front, too (ranking No. 28).
Local Tips
- Check out Orlando Cat Cafe or The Kitty Beautiful to experience the magic for yourself.
- The Orlando Sentinel compiled a list of more than 60 shelters and rescues in the greater Orlando area that you could get involved with.
De-clawed Detroit
This year, Detroit seems to be the worst city for cat lovers. The paw-blem is a severe lack of access to adoptable cats and resources. Detroit ranked in the bottom 50 in 12 out of 14 factors, such as animal shelters, cat sitters, and veterinarians.
As you can see, it isn’t easy to own a cat in Detroit. It isn’t cheap, either. Motown has the second-highest average cost for cat sitting, 12th highest cat insurance premium, and 37th most expensive average hotel pet fee. Rates for these services are higher in Detroit than in most of the other cities on our list.
There’s still a ray of hope for cat-loving Detroiters, though. Surprisingly, the city has a decent number of cat cafes (ranking at No. 65) where you can get your kitty fix.
Local Tips
- The oldest and most paw-pular local cat cafe is Catfe Lounge in Ferndale.
- If you’re up for a longer drive, you could visit Tiny Lions Lounge & Adoption Center in Ann Arbor, where there are tons of fun events, such as yoga classes (with cats!), trivia nights (with kittens!), and “mewvie” nights.
Californian Cat Crusaders
No California cities made it into our top 10 this year, but the Golden State is still a great place for animal rights activists who want to be a voice for homeless, vulnerable kitties that need love the most.
Santa Rosa and Pasadena are the top two big cities in the country with the most animal shelters per 100,000 residents. Huntington Beach and Escondido also landed in our top 20 for this category at No. 15 and No. 17, respectively.
Help is most desperately needed in city-run shelters in Los Angeles, where the current volunteer force is struggling to keep up with all the animals in their care, including litters of kittens abandoned in boxes at the shelters’ front doors.
Local Tips
- There are plenty of volunteering and fostering opportunities for Cali cat lovers, from the Humane Society of Sonoma County in Santa Rosa to Dirty Little Paws Rescue, which is based in Oceanside and serves most of Southern California.
Ask The Experts
Cat owners are like butlers: They exist to make life better and easier for their feline overlords. Choosing a place to live with plenty of space for late-night zoomies and great veterinary care nearby is only one part of that.
What else can cat lovers do to keep their kitties happy, healthy, and satisfied? We asked the experts.
- What are the top three items cat owners should have in their homes for their cats’ enrichment?
- What are the most common signs of illness in cats that owners should look out for?
- Do you recommend letting pet cats roam outdoors? Why or why not?
- How much exercise do cats need in a day? What’s the best way to make sure they get enough exercise?
- What does a healthy diet look like for a strictly indoor cat?
What are the top three items cat owners should have in their homes for their cats’ enrichment?
1. A cat tree
2. A fishing pole-type toy
3. Cat grass
What are the most common signs of illness in cats that owners should look out for?
Loss of appetite and failure to groom. Urinating out of the box is common if the cat has a urinary tract problem.
Do you recommend letting pet cats roam outdoors? Why or why not?
No, the cat is in dander of disease and predation by coyotes, dogs, or raptors. In addition, the birds are in danger from the cat.
How much exercise do cats need in a day? What’s the best way to make sure they get enough exercise?
There is no 10,000-step recommendation for cats. Exercise is more important than enrichment — that is, playing.
What does a healthy diet look like for a strictly indoor cat?
A healthy diet should include both wet and dry food. The former assures that the cat is hydrated. The large pet food companies Purina Hills Royal Canin test their food on cats so they can guarantee that they are safe. Avoid trendy no-grain, raw, or boutique diets.
What are the top three items cat owners should have in their homes for their cats’ enrichment?
1. Laser pointer
2. Scratching posts
3. Food puzzles
What are the most common signs of illness in cats that owners should look out for?
Decreased or increased appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, a change in water consumption, and/or an increase or decrease in activity level should prompt a visit to the veterinarian.
Do you recommend letting pet cats roam outdoors? Why or why not?
While time outdoors can be beneficial for cats’ mental and physical health, outdoor cats are much more likely to contract contagious diseases, be hit by cars, or be injured by altercations with other cats or animals.
A good compromise is an enclosed outdoor area (commonly referred to as a “catio”), where cats can enjoy time outdoors while also being protected from some of the aforementioned risks.
How much exercise do cats need in a day? What’s the best way to make sure they get enough exercise?
There is no specific time allotment for feline daily exercise. Like in humans, exercise provides many mental and physical benefits for cats.
If your cat is currently sedentary, start slowly with an exercise program by increasing physical activity 10-15% per week.
Some good ways to encourage physical activity are by:
- Encouraging cats to chase laser pointers (be sure to occasionally let them “catch” the light or a treat so that they don’t become frustrated);
- Playing with dangly feather or rope toys (be careful not to let them ingest anything like string, which could become lodged in their intestines); and/or
- Something as simple as encouraging them to run up and down stairs in order to get their daily meals.
What does a healthy diet look like for a strictly indoor cat?
Look for foods that are approved by AAFCO (the Association of American Feed Control Officials). This group is responsible for formulating guidelines that ensure foods meet minimum nutritional requirements for animals.
If you choose to home-cook for your cat, be sure to discuss a diet plan with a veterinary nutritionist as it is very difficult to properly balance a cat’s diet without professional help.
What are the top three items cat owners should have in their homes for their cats’ enrichment?
1. Toys — lots of them: There are a lot of interactive toys available now that can entertain them and keep them busy. Be sure they are safe-no small pieces or parts that could be swallowed and cause gastrointestinal issues.
2. Scratching posts: Give them both horizontal and vertical surfaces. Scratching posts made from cardboard and sisal rope are favorites for cats. If they are vertical, buy a tall one as they like to stretch and reach when scratching.
3. Cat trees: Cats like to be vertical and off the ground. Cat trees or wall shelves give them the opportunity to be elevated which makes them less stressed and happy especially if you have children or dogs.
What are the most common signs of illness in cats that owners should look out for?
Cats are very good at hiding their symptoms when sick. Be sure to monitor their food and water bowl to ensure they are consuming adequate food and water on a daily basis.
Monitor the litter box daily to determine that they are urinating and having normal bowel movements.
Also, keep an eye out for vomiting or any urination outside of the litter box. Cats will often hide or avoid the family when they don’t feel good, so if you aren’t seeing them hanging around like usual, there may be something wrong.
If you notice anything out of the ordinary or symptoms mentioned above, it would be worth a visit to your primary care veterinarian to assess their health.
Do you recommend letting pet cats roam outdoors? Why or why not?
While giving a cat outdoor access can be a positive enrichment experience, it can be filled with many dangers, especially if you live in a suburban area.
Of course, the biggest concern is the potential for vehicular trauma, which causes very serious injuries requiring extensive veterinary care or even death.
Other hazards include exposure to toxins, such as antifreeze; wild animals, such as coyotes or even big dogs; and exposure to the elements, such as heat and cold, which can cause significant medical issues.
To give them the outdoor experience without the hazards, consider building them a “catio,” such as these. Catios are a great way for them to enjoy the sunshine and avoid the dangers that lurk outside.
How much exercise do cats need in a day? What’s the best way to make sure they get enough exercise?
Cats are crepuscular, which means they are most active in the morning and the evening. This is when they tend to exercise the most and a time when you can engage them in play that will help burn some energy and enrich their daily life.
At least 15-30 minutes of play per day is recommended to keep your cat healthy and active. This is good time to pull out the laser pointer or the feather wand to get them moving. Not only does this give them exercise for their body, but it also exercises their mind, which is great at reducing stress and making them a happier, healthier cat.
Stress has a significant negative impact on the health of cats, so providing them ways to exercise and enrich their lives is highly beneficial.
What does a healthy diet look like for a strictly indoor cat?
A healthy diet for a cat would be feeding a good-quality, commercially available dry kibble that feeds to their life stage. For example, a kitten should eat a diet formulated for kittens, and a senior cat should eat a diet formulated for a senior.
Feeding canned food, in addition to the dry kibble, also benefits cats as they will intake more water eating canned food, which is important to help cats maintain a healthy urinary tract.
Be sure to follow the feeding guidelines or consult with your primary care veterinarian on the amount to feed as you don’t want to overfeed them, which can lead to obesity.
In addition, using a water fountain will help cats drink more water and can also be a source of enrichment for them.
What are the top three items cat owners should have in their homes for their cats’ enrichment?
Cats are designed to be amazing hunters that eat many meals of small prey daily. This requires constant surveillance of an area and the ability to hunt and capture wily prey items.
Cats are also vulnerable to becoming prey for larger hunters and territorial disputes with other cats.
To allow for natural behaviors, cats need to be able to do all of these activities: hunt, view, and hide. That means having perches and safe hiding areas for our feline friends.
- Many cat trees provide both types of these spaces, but a fancy tree is not necessary. Cats love perching in windows and hiding in boxes.
- Cats need to hunt, but that does not mean you need to have mice in the house. Playing with toys is actually a hunting activity, especially wand toys.
- Puzzle feeders are terrific for simulating hunting and giving cats the chance for problem-solving. However, there is a learning curve. Cats need to start with puzzle feeders that easily release treats, then progress to more difficult ones.
Do you recommend letting pet cats roam outdoors? Why or why not?
There are pros and cons to letting cats outdoors. Going outdoors allows for the types of activities discussed in the previous question –– hunting, hiding, and viewing.
However, outdoor cats risk catching diseases or parasites and injuries such as bite wounds or road accidents. Free roaming cats contribute to the decline in bird populations but get an unfair amount of blame. Humans are the largest cause of the decrease in birds due to habitat loss.
Being inside is safe but boring. Many indoor cats are overweight as they are inactive and may view eating as a hobby.
Enrichment is vital for indoor cats. There are some creative solutions to combine the safety of indoors with the fun of outdoors for our kitties. “Catification,” indoor cat play structures, and “catios,” enclosed outdoor areas, are wonderful.
What are the most common signs of illness in cats that owners should look out for?
Cats do not like to make it easy for their owners to know when they are ill. Many times they do not tell us until they are very sick. The best thing a cat lover can do is to watch for changes.
Signs of illness may include
- losing weight
- showing changes in appetite, drinking, or urination
- vomiting, having diarrhea, coughing, or sneezing.
If you think your cat may be ill, consult a veterinarian. If your cat is having trouble breathing or is not urinating, this is an emergency.
How much exercise do cats need in a day? What’s the best way to make sure they get enough exercise?
Cats are too smart to exercise just for the sake of exercise, but like the rest of us, benefit from activity. Playing with your cat once or twice daily is great for the cat and fun, as well.
What does a healthy diet look like for a strictly indoor cat?
There is no single diet that is ideal for all cats. Is the cat young? Old? Active? Sedentary? Are there any medical issues? All of these are important to consider. Obesity is a problem for many indoor cats, so it is important to control intake.
Most cats need about 250-300 kcal per day, but the calorie content of food is quite variable. Check labels and calculate how much of that particular diet a cat should eat. In multi-cat homes, it may be difficult to regulate how much each cat eats. Microchip-activated feeders are very handy for this.
Behind the Ranking
For each of the 200 biggest U.S. cities, we first gathered publicly available data on the factors listed in the table below.
We then grouped those factors into four categories: Cat Access, Care Access, Cat-Friendly Housing and Accommodations, and Affordability.
Next, we calculated weighted scores for each city in each category.
Finally, we averaged the scores for each city across all categories. The city that earned the highest average score was ranked “Best” (No. 1), while the city with the lowest was “Worst” (No. 200).
Metric | Weighting | Min. Value | Max. Value | Best |
---|---|---|---|---|
Cat Access | ||||
Animal Shelters per 100,000 Residents | 5 | 0 | 6.7 | Max. Value |
Number of Cat Cafes | 1 | 0 | 6 | Max. Value |
Care Access | ||||
Cat Sitters per 100,000 Residents | 3 | 0.5 | 175.2 | Max. Value |
Cat Boarding Options per 100,000 Residents | 2 | 0 | 40.4 | Max. Value |
Cat-Friendly Veterinarians per 100,000 Residents | 3 | 0 | 21.0 | Max. Value |
Veterinarians per 100,000 Residents | 2 | 0 | 61.2 | Max. Value |
Number of Emergency Animal Hospitals | 1 | 0 | 20 | Max. Value |
Pet Stores per 100,000 Residents | 3 | 0 | 24.5 | Max. Value |
Cat-Friendly Housing and Accommodations | ||||
Average Home Square Footage | 3 | 850 | 3,083 | Max. Value |
Share of Cat-Friendly Rental Properties | 3 | 7.0% | 79.1% | Max. Value |
Cat-Friendly Hotels per 100,000 Residents | 1 | 0 | 32 | Max. Value |
Affordability | ||||
Average Pet Sitter Rate per Visit (as % of Average Household Income) | 3 | 0.01% | 0.03% | Min. Value |
Average State Cat Insurance Premium (as % of Average Household Income) | 2 | 0.01% | 0.05% | Min. Value |
Average Hotel Pet Fee (as % of Average Household Income) | 1 | 0.00% | 0.14% | Min. Value |
Sources: Cat Friendly Homes, Cat Wisdom 101, CatTipper.com, Hauspanther, Homes.com, Meow Around, Pawlicy Advisor, PetSitter.com, Petswelcome.com, Rent.com, Sittercity, TripAdvisor, VCA Animal Hospitals, and Yelp
Final Thoughts: Happy Cat = Happy Home
Cats are famous for their napping skills, but dozing isn’t their only hobby. Just like people, cats need entertainment to keep from getting bored or depressed. A true cat lover’s home should be filled with fun cat-tivities for kitties to enjoy — without getting into trouble.
So, what do cats like to do besides sleep? Most of their favorite pastimes are inspired by instincts built into their DNA from back when their ancestors prowled the wild. But behaviors suited for the jungle don’t always translate well to a home with carpets to tear and valuables to topple.
The best way to protect your home from cat-astrophe is to build an environment where your kitty can indulge those ancient instincts in a positive way. A few examples of what that looks like:
Climbing
Cats need to climb, and they’ll find a way to do it. Give them plenty of safe spaces to climb and perch up high, such as cat trees and cat towers, and they’re much less likely to climb on your new curtains or freshly cleaned countertops.
Scratching
Scratching is another unavoidable cat behavior, but that doesn’t mean you have to live with shredded furniture. You can find scratching posts and pads in all shapes and sizes at your local pet store, and they usually aren’t very expensive.
The next time your kitty gets cat-scratch fever, they can take it out on their scratching toys instead of your sofa.
Hunting
All cats love to hunt. Outdoor cats get plenty of opportunities to stalk and pounce on squirrels, mice, and birds, but indoor cats need something to hunt, too. Their prey could be your favorite vase, goldfish, socks that always go missing — or cat toys, if you provide them.
Small balls, springs, and toy mice are perfect for hunting practice. There are even toys that roll or zoom around your house on their own so your kitty can chase them all day long.
If you love cats now, you’ll love them even more when they stop destroying your stuff. Turn your home into a kitty playground with a few affordable items, and you can have the best of both worlds: a happy, satisfied cat and a home that isn’t a total wreck.
Want a backyard where your feline friends can play? Talk to one of LawnStarter’s local landscapers about pet-safe plants, chemical-free lawn treatments, and more cat-friendly landscaping ideas.
Main Photo Credit: Shutterstock